U18 Preview: Saints vs Arsenal
Southampton’s Under-18s play their fixture of the 2022/23 season as they host Arsenal in the Under-18 Premier League on Friday.
THE MATCH
Saints vs Arsenal
U18s Premier League
Staplewood Campus
Friday 5th May, 12:00 GMT
Behind closed doors
Saints will conclude their season with a home clash against Arsenal knowing a win could see them leapfrog their opponents in the table and finish as high as seventh place.
It will be a return to home turf for the final match of the campaign after Saints were beaten 4-1 against Norwich City at Carrow Road last time out, with new signing Princewill Ehibhatiomhan scoring his first goal for the club in consolation.
Saints' top scorer, Will Merry, has struck eight times in the league this season - 11 goals across all age groups - and will be looking to add to his tally in Friday's final fixture.
Arsenal are in ninth place in the league table, two positions and two points above Saints ahead of the final match of the season.
The Gunners have enjoyed an indifferent campaign as they find themselves in the bottom half of the table but have managed to find success in the FA Youth Cup, reaching the final but falling short to a strong West Ham side.
In their last outing, an Ethan Nwaneri brace earned a 2-1 win over Aston Villa in their penultimate league game.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Earlier this season, Saints were 2-1 winners at Arsenal's training ground as Merry's first half penalty and a second half own goal were enough to bring three points back to Hampshire.
